Uruguay: Thematic Group expands its work to other departments in the country

The Thematic Group on Rural Development and Food Security in Uruguay, with the support of the UN resident coordinator System, expands its activities to the departments of Artigas, Salto and Paysandú.

The activities of the Thematic Group are carried-out in the framework of the Programa DERSA (Rural Development and Food Security Programme) using FAO Telefood programmes as a starting point. Last year’s efforts have been aimed at supporting the activities in the Departments of Tacuarembó, Montevideo and Durazno.

The expansion of the project to the departments of Artigas, Salto and Paysandú will include capacity building activities such as workshops on group management as well as additional complementary training in areas such as nutrition and health.

The main scope of the initial pilot project, which was developed in 2001 within the Rural Development and Food Security Program, was to contribute in strengthening local capacities of producer groups in fostering improvements in production and marketing of agriculture products while promoting healthy diet habits. An effective partnership was created between several UN System Agencies (UNDP, WHO/PAHO and FAO) with the support of German cooperation agency GTZ, the Public Health Ministry, ANEP/CEP and the Latin American Center for Human Economy (CLAEH).

Read more information on the Thematic Group in Uruguay in an article published in past update of the UN System Network website http://www.rdfs.net/news/thematicg/0312tg/0312tg_Uruguay_en.htm

For more information on the Pilot Project please contact the FAO representation in Uruguay: FAO-UY@fao.org